The pandemic impacted people in Colorado in countless ways, large and small. People now can look back to March and April of 2020 and remember the empty roads, even when rush hour usually took place. This led to record numbers of drivers traveling at speeds of 100 mph or more.
Life is now returning to normal, but officials report that drivers are not slowing down. In March, agencies in Denver, Aurora, Arvada, Greenwood Village, Lakeside, Lakewood, Wheatridge Police Departments, the Colorado State Patrol and the Colorado Department of Transportation cracked down on speeders in hopes of slowing down drivers. Last month, Colorado Springs mounted a similar campaign, catching six drivers in an hour going at least 20 miles over the speed limit.
Drivers put themselves at risk
According to the National Transportation Safety Bureau, 31% of all fatal accidents were speed-related. Denver police chief added: “Already this year, there have been two fatal crashes and five serious injury crashes on Denver’s highway,” Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen said. “The majority of vehicles crashes are preventable. We all have a role in traffic safety, and everyone must do their part to ensure we all arrive safely to our destination.”
Penalties can be substantial
Those fatality numbers are a tragedy, but it is not hard to edge up over the speed limit here on Colorado’s wide-open spaces. While law enforcement wants to take a stand regarding speeding and safety, those getting tickets should not get excessively punished for their lapses in judgment, particularly when there is no accident or injury. Citations for this often victimless crime will vary, but hefty fines are common, particularly for repeat tickets. Moreover, there is a required court date for drivers going 20 miles over the speed limit. Drivers may also face license suspensions, mandatory classes and potential jail time.